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Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) marked a historic milestone last week with the grand opening of the Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center, a transformative space that honors the legacy of one of Georgia’s most impactful leaders and longstanding supporters of MSM. The ribbon cutting ceremony brought together state and city officials, MSM leadership and community members to celebrate both the man and the mission. 

The 52,300-square-foot facility — three years in the making and a $45 million investment — will serve as a central hub for learning, collaboration and innovation. It houses a state-of-the-art auditorium, conference and event rooms, group study areas and modern office space. But more than a building, the center represents the embodiment of a vision Calvin Smyre helped shape nearly 50 years ago. “For every student who walks through these halls, may they be reminded that they are walking in the footsteps of a giant,” said MSM President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. 

Former State Representative Calvin Smyre, affectionately known as the “Dean of the Georgia House,” was first elected in 1974 at age 26 and served for nearly five decades. His leadership was instrumental in securing critical funding for MSM in its earliest days — making history in 1977 when he helped direct the first public state dollars to a private institution. “To be involved with the Morehouse School of Medicine since 1975 — and now to see this — it just brings joy,” Smyre said during his remarks. 

The event featured remarks from Governor Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Congresswoman Nikema Williams’ District Chief of Staff, Tré Riddle, all of whom praised Smyre’s leadership and enduring influence. “Calvin Smyre is just a great American, a great Georgian,” Governor Kemp said. “A testament to his deep commitment to making life better for our fellow Georgians.” 

Chair of MSM’s Board of Trustees Art Collins reflected on Smyre’s decades of dedication: “If not for Calvin Smyre, there may not be a Morehouse School of Medicine as we know it today.” 

 

For Smyre, the dedication was less about personal accolades and more about continuing the mission. “This is not just the opening of a building,” he said. “It’s the opening of a gateway to improve health care outcomes statewide.” As a proud HBCU graduate, he emphasized the importance of continued investment in Black colleges and the essential role institutions like MSM play in advancing health equity. 

 

The Calvin Smyre Education Conference Center stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, progress and partnership — carrying forward the bold audacious vision of transforming health and healthcare for generations to come. 

 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu